E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

 

A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world.

From memory: This film is a perfect children's pic that will appeal to the whole family, it's heart-warming, uplifting as well as thrilling, presents top-notch special effects and a remarkable cast of kids, and of course: the most lovable alien in cinema history.

Halliwell****: "Stupefyingly successful box-office fairy tale by the current wonder kid Soielberg, taken to the world's heart because he dares to make films without sex, violence or bad language: This one could hardly be simpler, but it works; and the ailing cinema would love to know how to repeat the trick several times a year."

Maltin****: "A warm, insightful story of childhood innocence, frustration, courage, and love...with a remarkable  "performance" by E.T. An exhilarating experience for young and old alike."

 

Donnie Darko (2001)

A troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes, after narrowly escaping a bizarre accident.

Highly idiosyncratic and fascinating drama about adolescent otherness with a fantastic twist; at times quite reminiscent of David Lynch's work.

Halliwell***: "An engaging, darkly comic look at growing up in suburbia; lurid and deliberately confusing in its circular narrative, it is also bracingly original."

Maltin**: "Writer-director Kelly has ambitious and interesting ideas, but the film builds to an unsatisfying conclusion."